Statement on DEP Decision

Mothers on the Move is excited about the recent citywide and national attention to our Clean Air Campaign, and thankful for the support of elected officials and allies alike in creating the kind of visibility that can further an equitable resolution of our lawsuit.

However, this recent exposure to the Dep't of Environmental Protection's decision not to renew NYOFCO/Synagro's contract represents only the tip of the iceberg of what has now been a three-year campaign by MOM's Environmental Justice Committee - strategized and implemented by local residents of the Hunts Point and Longwood sections of the South Bronx (people directly experiencing NYOFCO's harmful effects).

The work of the EJ Committee's leadership in getting to this stage can't be overstated - changing society takes a lot of hard work by a lot of everyday people! The campaign has included literally thousands of doors knocked, hundreds of people mobilized, countless campaign planning meetings, and creative and high profile actions such as our Toxic Bus Tour, Mock Funeral for the South Bronx, and a surprise Saturday morning visit to then-DEP Commissioner Emily Lloyd by 50 local residents.

Again, MOM recognizes and appreciates the support from politicians and the city in our work around this issue, BUT, there is much more to be done. The lawsuit is not yet settled, and the larger fight is far from over. Unfortunately this recent news doesn't mean that the community's problems with NYOFCO or the underlying issues of environmental racism disappear.

MOM and the EJ Committee's leadership will continue its lawsuit regardless, and we are continuing to watch the DEP and the City (who are named in our lawsuit) to see this through.

We remain cautiously optimistic about the results, and can't wait to celebrate all the hard work that MOM members and our allies have put into achieving them. But we'll believe it when we see it.

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Recent Coverage:

NY Daily News, 3/15
Commish says City's plan to end contract with Hunts Point fertilizer firm will save $18M a year.

Epoch Times, 3/15
City Terminates Contract With Bronx Sewage Plant

NY1 News, 3/14
City Drops Contract With Bronx Fertilizer Company

Gothamist Blog 3/13
Bronx Neighborhood to Lose Decades-Old Stench

New York Times, 3/12
An Olfactory Nightmare May End in the Bronx



To schedule interviews with MOM EJ Committee leaders, please contact mark@mothersonthemove.org